Getting an MOT Retest After a Repair (2025 Guide)

Once per year, every car older than three years needs to pass an MOT test in order to be deemed roadworthy. When you pass, you'll receive an MOT certificate, good for one year from the test date.

The certificate is a legal requirement for driving on public roads in the UK. It signifies that your vehicle meets the minimum safety and environmental standards set by the government.

If your car fails its MOT, you'll receive a list of necessary repairs or replacements, which you have to carry out before your vehicle can pass.

Once the garage makes these repairs, you'll have your car tested again to verify it now meets the required standards.

Do I pay for an MOT retest

For your first MOT test, the maximum cost is £54.85 for a car and £29.65 for a standard motorcycle. As for MOT retests, there are two main scenarios: free and paid retests.

• Free retest: If the vehicle is repaired and retested at the same testing centre within 10 working days, the garage may offer a partial retest free of charge, covering only the failed items.
• Paid retest: If you take the car to another garage for repairs and return for a retest after 10 working days, or if it is retested at a different testing centre, a full retest may be required, which could involve paying the full MOT test fee again.

That's why it's so important to read reviews on MOT garages before choosing one. You might find the garage overcharges for repairs, leaving you no choice but to find another garage and then paying the entire MOT test fee over again.

Partial retest vs. full retest

In the UK, when your vehicle fails its MOT, you will need to undergo either a partial retest or a full retest, depending on how you handle the repairs and the timing of the retest.

Partial retest

A partial retest covers only the specific faults that caused the vehicle to fail the initial MOT. It is generally quicker and less expensive than a full retest. You can qualify for a partial retest under the following conditions:

• Repairs at the same test centre: If you leave your vehicle at the same MOT test centre for repairs and the retest is completed within 10 working days, the retest is usually free or incurs a minimal fee.
• Taking the vehicle away for repairs: If you choose to take your vehicle elsewhere for repairs but return it to the original MOT centre within 10 working days, you can still get a partial retest. However, you may be charged up to 50% of the original MOT test fee, depending on the garage's policy.

Full retest

A full retest involves re-examining the entire vehicle, not just the previously failed items. This will likely be required in the following scenarios:

• Delay in retesting: If you return the vehicle after more than 10 working days, a full MOT test is needed, and you will have to pay the full fee again.
• Different test centre: If you decide to have the repairs and retest done at a different MOT centre, a full MOT test is required, and you'll be charged the full fee, which could be up to £54.85.

Choosing between a partial and a full retest depends on the extent of the repairs needed, your convenience, and the specific rules of the MOT centre you wind up going with.

How soon do I need to schedule a retest after a repair?

You have specific timeframes within which you must schedule a retest depending on whether you opt for a partial or full retest.

If you leave your vehicle at the same test centre for repairs, you can schedule a partial retest immediately after the repairs are completed. To qualify for a free or discounted partial retest, it must be done within 10 working days from the date of the initial failed test.

If you take your vehicle to a different garage for repairs, you must return to the original test centre within 10 working days for a partial retest. If you bring it back within one working day and the faults are minor, the retest may be free.

If you delay the retest beyond 10 working days or take the vehicle to a different test centre, you will need a full retest, which requires paying the full MOT fee again. The full retest must be conducted within 21 days of the original failed test.

Where can I get my vehicle retested?

If your vehicle fails its MOT, the most straightforward option is to leave it at the same MOT test centre for repairs and then have it retested there. We recommend doing this because it's low-effort and potentially free.

You can also take your vehicle to a different garage for repairs and then bring it back to the original MOT test centre for a retest, though that can be tedious. In this case, you would typically be eligible for a partial retest, though it might incur a fee of up to 50% of the original MOT cost.

If you decide to take the vehicle to a different test centre for both the repairs and retest, you will likely need to undergo a full MOT test again, and you'll be charged the full fee for this service.

Are retests available at any garage?

Only a licensed MOT garage can carry out MOT retests. You cannot take the vehicle to an independent mechanic or conduct the retest yourself.

The garage must be certified by the UK government to carry out MOT tests, and it should display a blue sign with three triangles outside that says 'Vehicle Testing Station'.

How long will my MOT retest take?

The time needed for your retest depends on whether you need a full or partial retest. If you need a full retest, it will take the same amount of time as a standard MOT test (45-60 minutes). If you're able to get a partial retest, it'll be much faster.

Which repairs qualify for a free MOT retest?

Certain types of repairs qualify for a free MOT retest if the vehicle is returned to the original test centre by the end of the next working day (or within 10 working days for the same garage). The repairs must address specific minor issues, and the retest will only cover these particular faults.

Here are examples of repairs that qualify for a free retest:

• Access panels
• Battery
• Bonnet and bootlid
• Brake pedal antislip
• Doors, including hinges, catches, and pillars
• Electrical wiring
• Fuel filler cap
• Horn
• Lamps (excluding headlamp aim)
• Mirrors
• Rear reflectors
• Registration plates
• Seatbelts (excluding anchorages)
• Steering wheel
• Towbars (excluding body around anchorage points)
• Windscreen glass, wipers, and washers
• Wheels and tyres (excluding motorcycles and sidecars)

For more extensive types of repairs (e.g., for major or dangerous defects), if the vehicle is returned within 10 working days, a partial retest fee may be charged, usually up to 50% of the original MOT fee.

Documents required for an MOT retest

When you go in for an MOT test, there are a few things you need to take:

• V5C logbook (if it's your car's first MOT or if you've changed the registration details since the last MOT)
• Appointment confirmation
• Driving licence
• Payment method
• Previous MOT certificate (not required, but helpful)
• Car insurance (also not required, but you need valid insurance to drive your vehicle)

Your MOT history is all digitised, and your test centre will be able to pull your previous test record. You don't need to carry a paper copy of your MOT certificate with you.

Can I drive my car before my MOT retest?

Yes, you can drive your car before your MOT retest under specific conditions:

• Your vehicle's current MOT certificate is still valid and the test showed no "dangerous" faults.
• You are driving it to a pre-booked MOT test or to a garage for repairs, regardless of whether your current MOT is valid.

Remember that if your vehicle fails the MOT due to a "dangerous" fault, it immediately becomes illegal to drive it on the road until you have it repaired. This also means you’ll have to have the test at your MOT testing garage as well, or have it transported to another garage without driving it.

What happens if my vehicle fails the retest?

If your vehicle fails the MOT retest, you will need to address the issues that caused the failure before you can legally drive it again.

Here's the sequence of events you can expect:

1. You will receive a VT30 'Refusal of MOT Test Certificate,' which lists the defects. These issues must be repaired before your vehicle can be retested.
2. After fixing the issues, you can book another MOT retest using the same process.
3. If you believe the vehicle should not have failed the MOT, you can appeal the decision through the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA).
4. You can still drive it away for repairs if your initial certificate is still valid and you have no dangerous defects.

Pro tip: If you’re just looking to scrap your car, know that we buy MOT failure vehicles of any make, in any condition. Save yourself the time and get an instant quote from us instead.

What if I miss my retest appointment?

If you miss the retest within the 10-working-day window, you will need to book a new MOT test, and you may lose the opportunity for a discounted or free partial retest. Missing the retest may mean paying the full MOT test fee again, as you will need to start the process over from scratch.

If your vehicle has failed its initial MOT and you miss the retest, your car may not be legally drivable if your previous MOT certificate has expired. Driving without a valid MOT certificate can result in fines up to £1,000, and it could invalidate your insurance.

It’s important that you rebook the MOT as soon as possible. If your vehicle is not roadworthy, you should avoid driving it altogether until the issues are resolved and a new MOT is secured.

Ensuring your car passes the MOT retest

Once you fix the issues that caused you to fail, you shouldn't have to worry too much about passing. That's why it's best to do your retest and repairs at the same MOT garage, they're already familiar with your car and what caused it to fail, so they can fix it right away and send you off.

We strongly recommend performing regular maintenance and vehicle checks to avoid the need for a retest. Proper care can easily prevent most of the typical issues that cause MOT failures.

Here are some tips to ensure your car passes its MOT:

• Keep your tyres properly inflated and within legal tread limits.
• Check all lights and indicators regularly and replace faulty bulbs ASAP.
• Test your horn to ensure it’s working.
• Fix any minor issues, such as replacing worn wiper blades or a broken wing mirror, before they become major problems.
• Get your car serviced regularly to identify and fix potential issues early on.

And when major issues come up, address them right away. Many of the things that could cause you to fail your MOT with a major defect are noticeable. By fixing them early, you can get the work done on your own time and eliminate the hassle of an MOT retest in the first place.

Before your MOT, ensure you pass by going through our complete MOT checklist and guide.

Final thoughts

By keeping up with regular maintenance, you can save time and money by avoiding MOT failures and retests. Plus, you'll be ensuring the safety of yourself and others on the road.

If you do need a retest, don't stress. It's common; millions fail each year. And it can be easily remedied.

Just make sure to address the issues promptly and get your vehicle back on the road as soon as possible. And always remember to book your MOT in advance, so you have plenty of time for any necessary repairs before your certificate expires. Check your MOT status now using our free MOT checker tool.